Epidemiology
Croup is a frequent cause of acute respiratory distress in young children. Typically, it affects those between 6 months and 3 years of age, peaking in the second year of life. It has been reported to occur in infants younger than 6 months, in adolescents and, more rarely, in adults.[1][2] An observational study in a pediatric group practice found it to be the confirmed diagnosis in 15% of all cases of lower respiratory infection.[1] Boys are more commonly affected, with a ratio of 1.4:1 compared with girls.[1] There is no evidence to suggest variations in ethnicity prevalence. In North America, admission rates peak in late autumn (September through December), but cases occur all year round.[3] A peak in clinical presentations is correlated with parainfluenza virus epidemics. These peaks typically occur in alternating years and result in a 50 % increase in the number of children admitted with croup.[3]
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